When it comes to budgeting inside of your business, it is important you talk to someone who knows what they are doing. I would recommend hiring someone who is skilled in budgeting such as an outsource CFO... or a shameless plug for myself! Regardless, having a great financial team is important, because if you run out of money, then you will have other issues. If you can afford a CFO, at least talk to them to get your budget in place and it will give you time to work on the business. Having a very skilled Bookkeeper is important to track your financial records and get a great CPA. Make sure they are great communicators, because many will not wave red flags if your business is in financial danger. Budgeting is my field of expertise and I have many resources and quick tips that can get you up to speed with managing your money. Feel free to reach out! Wish you much success in your business!

Not sure if this a mentoring program for a company or if you are starting a business as a coach/mentor for hire. In my experience, you have to ask GREAT questions and then listen, listen, listen. When working 1-on-1, we (the coach), typically have an agenda or program we want to follow, but one size never fits all. #1 Come up with some leading and probing questions that will get your mentee to talk. No single answer questions allowed. #2 Learn to be a good listener and pick up on clues on what they are saying to guide you to the next topic of discussion. #3 Repeat back what you heard them say and ask "is this what you are saying?" # If you are a coach, give them assurance that you can help them or be honest and say that you cannot. When I started coaching, I learned that being a good listener is a skill, and it is what will make a mentoring program go smoothly. Remember, it is not about you, it is all about them! If you need more guidance or some good questions to ask your mentees, please feel free to call!

Yes! When I started my company, I offered services for free, and after putting in a lot of work, the test client did not value my time during the process. Even though this is a pilot, you may still incur costs to produce and time is a valuable resource that you will never get back. Getting in the habit of getting paid helps you build confidence and evaluate what you can charge in the future. Also, when the client pays, they will have "skin in the game" and will be more active during the process. If you ever need help evaluating your sources of revenue vs cost of goods or determining your break even number, please feel free to schedule a call! I wish you the best in your business!